Chapter Text
This story starts on a cold November afternoon in a forest green car driving down a freshly rained-on road headed towards upstate New York. A social worker named Brian Chase, a man who was constantly stressed, gripped the steering wheel nervously and glanced into the rearview mirror to check on the thin pale teen occupying the back seat. Alexander Hamilton had been in several homes since Mr. Chase took over for the last social worker that had been in charge of the boy’s case. The ever-changing environment had definitely taken its toll on the boy. His tired-seeming eyes met with the man's for a split second before Alex's eyes flickered downward.
“Now, Alex.” the man started. “I know you hate starting over, but I need to make this very clear. I worked very hard to get you into this home. I had to cash in a favor from an old friend of mine.”
Alex rolled his eyes. Another place to get kicked out of. He thought.
“It wasn’t easy to persuade them to take in another foster child. They weren't too impressed with your history either.”
Alex bit back an argument on how some of it wasn't his fault and instead turned his attention to picking at the tattered hem of his dark blue hoodie. The hoodie had been with him since his first foster home; The Calligan's. It was the only thing they’d let him keep when he left. Although messing with the fabric caused his sore, scraped hands to ache, it was the only thing that kept his mind from dwelling on how they had showered him with gifts when he first got there, and just as quickly took them away.
“I talked you up quite a bit young man, so you best be thankful. This is a great opportunity and the Washington’s are good people.”
It wasn’t the first time Alex had heard a sentence like that from Mr.Chase. He briefly recalled him saying nearly those exact words before going to- Alex cut his train of thought off before he had the chance to relive that memory.
“It’s going to be a long ride so get comfy and try not to worry. I’m sure as long as you behave, you will find this new home to be good.” Mr.Chase stated as he checked on Alex through the mirror once more.
Alex tried his best to appreciate the man giving an effort to say something comforting, despite failing at it completely. Alex had been in some very bad homes and each time it only got worse. He couldn’t help but imagine what horrors awaited him just past the front door of this new home his social worker swore by. Not that it mattered; He would have to face them all the same. He had to. This was his last chance to stay out of another group home.
Alex shuddered at the thought. He hated group homes. It was crowded and there were too many rules. Most of the time he barely had wiggle room to write in peace. After the last one turned belly up Alex swore to himself he'd do whatever it took it keep himself out of one.
I can do this. He thought, attempting to gain some confidence. I can deal with whatever they dish out. He only had two years and two months until he was 18. Letting out a sigh, he reached for the gray-stained backpack accompanying him on the seat to his left. It was almost as tattered as the jacket. He zipped it open and pulled out his notebook, as well as a pen. He whipped open the notebook, flipping through the pages until he found the first empty one he came across, and began to write.
About an hour went by before he was interrupted by Mr. Chase clearing his throat.
“Alex.” The man said as he pulled the car to a stop. Alex finished writing the last few words of the sentence he had been working on, then closed the notebook and looked up at Mr. Chase. “We’re here. Put your things away.” The social worker said whilst putting the car in park and taking the keys from the ignition. Alex did as he was told, but just as he grabbed the handle of the car door, Mr. Chase turned toward the teenager and spoke up.
“Before we get out, I want to remind you; If you can’t make this work, I’ll have no choice but to place you in another group home.” He warned.
Alex tensed slightly at the notion. “Yes, sir. I’m aware.” The boy retorted. I’ve already reminded myself. He scoffed to himself.
“Good.” Mr. Chase stated before exiting the car.
Alex braced himself as he pulled the handle, then pushed the door open. The cold wind of the outside caused shivers to rack through his body. Alex bit his chapped lips to hide the chattering of his teeth. He winced at the pain that came when the split in his bottom lip opened. His jacket didn’t do much in the way of warmth; It was thin and old from years of use. But it was fine, he was used to being cold. He hiked his backpack up onto his shoulder as he made his way over to Mr. Chase. It was only now that Alex put the effort in to take in his surroundings. The neighborhood was nice, too nice. It was by far the ritziest area he had ever been in. Glamorous over-sized houses, with impeccably sized yards, and tall flourishing London plane trees lined the road. There had to be a mistake. Was this really the right area? His eyes followed along the nearby white picket fences while taking care to stick close to his social worker. His gaze was caught by the gravel road leading in an arch through the yard. At the farthest part of the path, a large white house stood tall, the lawn to the sides covered in lush green grass. The scene had felt almost surreal to Alex.
It's definitely too perfect. he decided. Any house this nice has dark secrets in the soil.
Soon enough, they were at the large brown polished wooden double doors that decorated the entrance to the home. "Alex." Mr. Chase started. Alex didn't look up at him, he just tilted his head toward the man to show he was listening. "One last thing before I send you off; I need you to promise that you won't pick fights or cause any trouble for them. They are doing you a favor taking you in." The man warned.
They'll probably make sure I know that. "Yes, sir." Alex replied bitterly.
Mr. Chase gave a small but relieved sigh, then extended his arm, and rang the doorbell.
I can do this. Alex reminds himself once more, tightening his hold on the backpack strap.
A few moments go by before one of the doors creaked open. Alex hesitantly looked up at the couple standing in the doorway. He sees a woman with a kind face first; She was quite beautiful and judging by her kitten heels and elegant beige skirt suit, Alex could tell she was a career woman. The way she held herself came across as though she exuded confidence. Her hair was done up in a short wavy bob parted on the side and her makeup was flawless. Alex glanced up at her dark-skinned face, trying to get a good read on her, and as he did so, the woman gave him a welcoming smile. The warmth in her face reminded him so much of his mother. Just as he was about to become lost in the mild familiarity of her presence, Alex noticed the man standing to her right.
He tensed at the sight of him. He was dark-skinned but lighter than the woman, taller than average, and bald. Alex could tell the man was very strong, with his thick but toned build, and that worried him. Still, something in his face seemed decently humble. He took notice of how well-groomed the two looked, with the man wearing a button-up shirt and slacks that Alex could definitely see were ironed so carefully he could have sword the shirt didn't have a single wrinkle in it.
Shit. Alex thought. They probably care about appearances. He bit his lip anxiously, fighting through the sting.
"Brian! It's wonderful to see you!" the woman exclaimed, taking a step forward and throwing her arms around Mr. Chase.
"You as well, Mrs. Washington!" Mr. Chase replied enthusiastically, returning the embrace. After the woman pulled away, The man at her side extended an open hand toward the social worker.
"Mr. Chase, it's nice to see you made the trip alright." He said in a deep voice.
"Senator Washington. Yes, yes, we made it just fine." Mr. Chase replied, taking the hand and giving it just a bit too much of a shake.
The title caught Alex's attention. Wait... senator? he thought in disbelief. Great. Now I know they definitely care about appearances.
"So, this must be Alexander? We've heard a lot about you, and we're very excited to have you stay with us." The man said with his nearly-booming voice, giving Alex a look over with a smile. Something in the man's eyes felt like they were looking straight through him. Alex couldn't stop himself from cringing at the use of his full name. He nodded in reply, never meeting the tall man's gaze.
"It's very nice to meet you, Alexander. My name is Martha, and this here is my husband, George!" Mrs. Washington stated in a bubbly but calm voice.
Alex internally cringed once again but brushed it off quickly. "Nice to meet you..." he forced out. He wanted to correct them, but Mr. Chase made it explicitly clear he wasn't to cause problems. So, he bit down on his lip to focus on the pain instead. Just then, a gust of wind blew past, giving Alex another wrack of shivers against his will.
"Oh, dear! The poor boy is cold! George, where are our manners?! Please, come in you two!" Martha said with a worried expression, pulling the door open more.
"So sorry, but I actually have matters to attend to. I'll have to part ways here and leave Alex in your care." Mr. Chase said feigning reluctance. "It was quite nice to see both of you again. I do hope we can catch up again soon!" He turned to Alex, giving him that signature look the man always made each time he left Alex at a new residence. "And Alex, remember what we talked about, okay?" He reminded.
After exchanging pleasantries, the social worker was off. Alex felt anxiety bubble in his chest as he watched the forest green car drive down the road and disappear from view.
So that's it he thought walking into the way-too-big house. I'm on my own from here.
Artwork by msmcnugget